Hamilton Accies chairman Jock Brown pleads for fans' return as he promises a new era

Hamilton Accies chairman Jock Brown has pleaded with supporters to return to New Douglas Park, promising a new club with integrity that will be properly run.

Dr Brown admits he had to be convinced to return by owner Seref Zengin and chief executive Gerry Strain, saying there has been a “reputation” issue in recent years.

But the 78-year-old Scottish football commentator and former Celtic general manager hopes that’s firmly in the past.

Brown said: “I haven’t set particular targets or goals, except to make this club one that is full of integrity, is fully professional, and well worth coming to.

“A big target for me is to try and encourage as many people as possible to come back and watch what I think is a new Accies, now, in this new era.

“I want them to come and believe they can support something worthwhile, something with integrity and something that is properly run, and is very determined to reflect this town and community very well.

“I’ve learned that it’s very important to do things properly, with integrity, and be known as a club that does things properly, and can be trusted.

“I think if you do that you not only inspire supporters, but potential players and recruits, and you also inspire confidence in other clubs that you’re negotiating with and dealing with on a regular basis.”

Brown didn’t jump at the chance to rejoin a club where he was chief executive during the Ally Dawson era, but is convinced he’s in the right place.

He said: “I spent quite a long time talking to Seref and Gerry and when I first started talking about it I was extremely reserved about it.

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“There’s been a reputation issue, I think it’s fair to say, about the club for quite some time.

“I took a long time to satisfy myself that this was a project well worth getting involved in, the new era.

“The fact that I’m a fan is a bonus on a Saturday when the team wins, but you’ve got to detach yourself a bit and be quite clinically professional about the job, rather than be a supporter in the boardroom – but my heart is there.

“I think it’s a question of getting a handle on everything on the club, seeing what’s going on – and everything I’ve seen so far has encouraged me, massively.

“I’ve had long talks with the manager, and some of the players, and that has encouraged me even more.

“My involvement in the playing side would be sparked off by the manager. The manager is in control of all of that, and I want to help and support him.”

A club statement read: “Jock is not only a man of great reputation, integrity, and professionalism, but he is also a lifelong supporter of our club.

“His deep-rooted connection to HAFC is further exemplified by his family legacy, as his father proudly represented the Accies on the pitch.

“This personal history, combined with his professional acumen, makes him uniquely qualified to lead our club into a promising future.

“With Jock at the helm, we are confident that HAFC will continue to thrive and build upon our rich heritage.”

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